Marion County sees surge in young voters

OCALA - A surge in the number of young Marion County voters mirrors a national trend, one that began several election cycles ago in Florida and has since spread across the country.

By JOE CALLAHANSTAR-BANNER

OCALA - A surge in the number of young Marion County voters mirrors a national trend, one that began several election cycles ago in Florida and has since spread across the country.Fueled by concerns about the environment, war and a teetering economy, this group of 20-something voters could play a significant role in tight swing states like Florida, experts say."The economy is the No. 1 issue right now for young people," said Susan MacManus, a University of South Florida political science professor.These young people, especially those in college, have large student loans to pay back and are concerned about the job market.MacManus said the hard-fought battle between Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination early this year helped draw in young Democrats.Where many young voters once primarily registered as Independents, more are steering toward the Democratic party because Clinton and Obama popularized the concept of change.

Democrats are leading the way when it comes to attracting young voters.Statewide, between Jan. 1 and Sept. 1, about 337,000 Floridians younger than 35 registered to vote. Of those new voters, 45 percent registered as Democrats, 33 percent with other parties and 22 percent as Republicans.The trend is similar locally, according to Wesley Wilcox of the Marion County Supervisor of Elections Office. However, even more younger voters are steering toward the Democratic party in Marion.From Sept. 15, 2006 to Sept. 15, 2008, 61.5 percent of the 3,376 new voters younger than 31 registered as Democrats. Meanwhile, 26.5 percent registered with other parties and 12 percent registered as Republicans."We have seen an increase in young Democrats statewide," MacManus said. "The Obama campaign has been aggressive in targeting college campuses."Bruce Seaman, the chairman of the Marion County Democratic Executive Committee, said there has been a big movement to register young people in Marion County.Seaman said the local Democratic Party even created a young Democrats group that meets weekly. The group, which includes Independents and former Republicans, discusses issues ranging from the economy to the war overseas.MacManus noted that in 2004, Democratic nominee John Kerry carried only the younger vote in Florida. Florida voters, she said, could make a difference in a close race in one of the nation's swing states.

At Central Florida Community College, Majorie McGee - the coordinator of student life - said voter registrations have increased dramatically in the first six weeks of this year.McGee said the student life office collected just 100 voter registration forms all of last school year. Since school began on Aug. 18 this year, it has collected 400.CFCC will have one last lunch-time drive on Monday, the final day that someone can register and be able to vote in November. She said the drives are neutral and do not target a specific party.Every Monday, many CFCC students wear "Rock the Vote" T-shirts. It's one way to show that students are ready to make a difference in American politics."There's definitely been an increase in interest," McGee said.CFCC's Mollie Lefebvre, who will turn 18 on Oct. 24, 10 days before the election, said she is concerned about the economy and her future."I think it is important for young people to be active," Mollie said. "As we get older and have families, it is even more important we help that change."Of new Marion County voters younger than 31, female Democrats had the biggest increase, 22 percent, while Republican women voters grew by only 1.6 percent.But surprisingly, most young women interviewed for this story said that Clinton's unsuccessful bid for the Democratic nomination did not lead them to register. Most echoed MacManus, saying the economy was their main concern."I'm concerned about what it will be like when I get married and have kids," said Nina Baker, 19, who registered to vote at CFCC on Thursday.The Democratic Party across the country has been holding voter drives and Marion County is no different. Last week, the Oak Run Democrat Club had a table at CFCC and didn't push a political agenda or party.

"I am glad we are seeing the same thing (rise in young voters nationally) is happening here," said Don Clark, 76, of the Oak Run Democrat Club.Janie Pope, 25, a John McCain supporter, is among the 20-something voters wanting change and believes either candidate could provide that new direction.She said younger voters have spent most of their adult lives under President Bush and want to have a say in the changing of the guard. They have been deeply impacted by wars of both in Afghanistan and Iraq."These people have become very angry about the war,'' Pope said. "I would say 50 percent of my friends on Myspace or Facebook know people fighting over there or (know people) in the military."Pope said she believes all young people, whether they are independent, Democrat or Republican, are "sick and tired of President Bush."She said most of her friends see that both candidates could satisfy their quest for change."Barack Obama is a fresh face and John McCain is also for change," she said. "We all can be a part of history, whether voting in the first black president or the first female vice president."

Roy Abshier, chairman of the Marion County Republican Executive Committee, said the fact remains that there are more Republicans than members of any other party.According to statistics supplied by the Marion elections office, there are 87,836 Republicans, 82,203 Democrats and 38,711 in other parties.Abshier said his party has been using the Young Republicans group as way to reach out to the younger generation.Marc Rodrigue, 20, who is a member of the Young Republicans, said young people are seeking change."With the economy the way it is, there has to be a change," said Rodrigue, who supports McCain but does not agree with his candidate on all issues."There's a lot of people right now in the middle and not sure who they will vote for," he said. "There are people who will vote against their party. Right now, I think a lot of people really don't know who they will vote for."Joe Callahan may be reached at joe.callahan@starbanner.com or 867-4113.

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